But the issue drew comments from one citizen who noted that the council's pay has increased from $1,200 per month in 1998 to $2,300 currently. Carlo Hernandez called the proposed pay plan for council members "unique."

Hernandez's comments drew an exhaustive response from Councilman Jerry Binder, who said, "I earn every penny" of income as do other council members.

"This is not a get rich scheme job," Binder said. "I am never going to apologize for my salary."

Binder added that the ordinance would "take the council out of the business of controlling what our salary is. That's the pro for me."

And Councilman Gene Bellisario pointed out that while the council's first salary increase since 1998 may be large, it spans many years, meaning the annual percentage increase is relatively low.

Rick Franzo, president of the Concerned Citizens of St. Tammany and a frequent critic of the council, said he had no problem with the council raise proposal.

Under the ordinance, the 14 council members would get an annual salary increase equivalent to the average percentage increase received by the parish's government's nearly 500 employees, effective Jan. 1, 2016. Parish workers typically receive a yearly cost of living increase, and most got a merit raise in recent years as well.

Members of the council currently receive $2,300 per month. The council last raised the salary in 2006, increasing pay from $1,700 to $2,000 monthly for members who took office in January 2008. The 2006 ordinance also provided $100 monthly increases for 2009, 2010 and 2011, bringing the salary up to its current level.

Under the charter, the parish governing body cannot give itself a raise. But it can raise the pay for the next Parish Council, provided it's done at least a year before the next council's term of office.